Ford’s celebrations and revelations will only add to the spectacle at Le Mans, and with the American manufacturer primed for a full scale attack in 2016, one of the men who elevated the brand to lofty heights at La Sarthe says he can’t wait to see the Blue Oval back in its former hunting grounds.
“I’m thrilled, really, to hear that they are preparing to step up to the plate, and I’d be thrilled silly if they could pull off another home run,” the legendary Dan Gurney said in an exclusive interview with RACER.
Gurney, who shared a Ford GT40 Mk IV with fellow American legend A.J. Foyt to capture the brand’s second consecutive win at Le Mans in 1967 , has an enduring affinity for the brand and the patriotic aspect that comes from battling on the world stage.
“I’m unequivocally enthused about it,” Gurney continued. “Talk about something that touches the heart of many Americans. I think it would also touch the heart of some Americans that are not aware of our history at Le Mans, or cars carrying the Ford name. I feel very patriotic about it, but I’ve also been a Ford person since my old flathead days. And my head’s still pretty flat!”
General Motors has thrived at Le Mans with its Corvette Racing program since its first factory effort debuted in 2000, and although its lone trek across the Atlantic was largely forgettable, Dodge added its name to the American GT theme during a visit in 2013. With the factory now Vipers silenced and Corvette seeking its first Le Mans win with the C7.R, Gurney applauds the challenge Ford has accepted with the likes of GM, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Porsche standing in the way of a trip to Victory Lane.
“In the first place, I think the commitment is not risk-free,” Gurney noted. “It wasn’t when Ford did it the first time, nor is it risk-free today. And I think people appreciate that. If you can be good enough to pull it off no matter what the opposition is, why, it means that much more. I think it’s a wonderful thing to do.
“And in today’s world, which has many bureaucrats and many attorneys and many politicians, it’s a thrill to hear something like this – that came from an idea a long time ago – is still important enough to Ford to get back in the game. Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead. I love to see it.”
For many who share a love for motor racing and technical innovation, Dan Gurney has been our spiritual leader for decades, and his conservatory of engineers and fabricators at All American Racers has been responsible for some of the greatest cars and concepts the sport has seen.
Based on its TUDOR United SportsCar Championship-derived twin-turbo V6 engine, and the experienced Chip Ganassi Racing team spearheading Ford’s GT program, Gurney’s confident the GT will advance the state-of-the-art when the carbon fiber creation hits the track.
“I don’t think Ford, by any standard, lacks technology,” Gurney said. “They’re not going to fall short on that part. It does seem like their road cars are in the process of pushing the boundaries from what was previously being done. I’m getting a lot of feedback on their primary engine, the twin-turbo V6, that it is one sweetheart of an engine. The rest I’ve read about the car also tells me they’re looking to the future in many other areas, which is pleasing to know.”
Among the marquee series and events, Gurney’s cars have won in Formula 1, at the Indianapolis 500 , 12 Hours of Sebring, and the 24 Hours of Daytona. Cars from AAR have set speed records, claimed IMSA GT and GTP championships, and earned countless accolades for their forward-thinking DNA. Ford’s path to winning Le Mans – or stateside in IMSA – won’t be easy with the cutting-edge GT, and having been through the process dozens of times, Gurney offered Ford, Ganassi, and all of the partners involved with the program a bit of closing advice from one of his personal heroes.
“I a saw a quote from Winston Churchill the other day in a book I was reading about innovation called The Innovators, appropriately enough,” he said with a laugh. “Churchill said, ‘If you are going through hell, keep going!’ I’d say that’s wise for everyone here. It will be unpleasant at times, but keep going, and keep going until you get through hell and come out on the other side.”